It was the raw intensity in Alexander's expression that was so alarming.

For a split second, it seemed he might hurl Amelia aside without a shred of mercy.

Jonathan's eyes widened in shock. He forced himself to stay calm, offering a strained smile. "Mr. Blackwood, I must apologize for my sister's behavior."

Amelia bit her lip, her voice trembling with indignation. "Even if you are the founder of Aethelgard Industries, this is too much! A real gentleman doesn't treat a woman like this! I was just trying to have a normal conversation. Let me go!"

She tried to wrench her arm free, but his grip was like iron.

Alexander's face was an unreadable mask, but his voice held a quiet, dangerous edge. "I am a married man, Miss Sterling. I suggest you adjust your conduct accordingly."

Humiliation washed over Amelia in a hot wave. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and tears of anger pricked her eyes. She turned to her brother, clutching his arm like a lifeline. "Jonathan..."

Seeing his sister's distress, Jonathan's heart softened. He sighed, his tone becoming more placating. "Mr. Blackwood, my sincere apologies. Amelia had no idea you were married. I will speak to her about this."

As he spoke, he shot Alexander a pleading look.

A flicker of recognition passed through Alexander's sharp gaze. He remembered the rumors about Amelia's fragile heart condition.

The potential alliance between Aethelgard Industries and the Sterling Group was far too valuable to jeopardize over this incident.

Reluctantly, he released his grip and gave a curt nod. "Very well."

The moment she was free, Amelia let out a frustrated huff, stamped her foot, and fled down the corridor without a backward glance.

"Amelia!" Jonathan called after her, but she was already gone.

Watching her disappear, he sighed heavily before turning back to Alexander.

The icy chill in Alexander's demeanor had thawed slightly.

"Amelia has always been spirited. My parents and I have never been strict with her. She's been unwell since she was a child," Jonathan explained, a shadow of sadness in his eyes.

Her health had been a constant worry for the Sterling family.

Alexander's gaze settled on him, his tone now devoid of its earlier sharpness. "She will recover."

Jonathan nodded slightly, then hesitated. He looked at Alexander with newfound curiosity. "I'd heard the rumors of your marriage, Mr. Blackwood, but I never knew they were true. Now I find myself wondering... what kind of woman managed to capture your heart?"

At the mention of Evelyn, Alexander's entire presence shifted. The hardness in his eyes melted away, replaced by a soft warmth that touched his usually stern features.

"She is extraordinary. And I love her deeply," he stated simply.

Jonathan blinked, taken aback by such directness.

Raising an eyebrow, Jonathan smirked. "You must care for her a great deal to reveal your identity so openly tonight."

Then, a thought occurred to him, and he frowned slightly. "But why didn't she come with you?"

Alexander's expression remained serene. "She was delayed in traffic. She will be here shortly."

Meanwhile, outside the venue, Evelyn finally arrived after hurrying across the city. Her driver stepped out and gestured toward the imposing hotel entrance. "Mrs. Blackwood, shall I call Mr. Blackwood to come out and meet you?"

Evelyn shook her head with a smile. "It's alright. I'll go in and find him myself." She turned back, adding, "Thank you for the ride."

"Of course, Mrs. Blackwood. Do call if you need anything," the driver replied with a nod.

Gathering the hem of her elegant gown, Evelyn made her way toward the entrance.

She was just about to present her invitation to the staff when a figure suddenly burst out from inside the venue and collided with her forcefully.